Central Oregon & the Oregon Cascades - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 568

Sights
Waldo Lake LAKE
At an elevation of 5414ft on the very crest of the Cascades, Waldo Lake has no stream
inlets - the only water that enters is snowmelt and rainfall. It is one of the purest bodies
of water in the world and is the source of the Willamette River. The lake is amazingly
transparent - objects 100ft below the surface are visible. Not only is it Oregon's second-
deepest lake (420ft), it's also the state's second-largest lake (10 sq miles). No motorized
gas boats are allowed, but afternoon winds make the lake popular for sailing. Three
lovely USFS campgrounds flank the eastern half of the lake.
The west and north sides of the lake are contained in the Waldo Lake Wilderness
Area , a 148-sq-mile expanse that abuts the Three Sisters Wilderness and is filled with
tiny glacial lakes, meadows and hiking trails.
Odell & Crescent Lakes LAKES
Immediately on the eastern slope of Willamette Pass is gorgeous Odell Lake, resting in a
steep glacial basin. Hiking trails lead into relatively unexplored wilderness from lakeside
campgrounds. In winter, the lake becomes a popular cross-country skiing destination.
A rustic lodge and popular campground ring Crescent Lake, which is popular for
water-skiing, fishing and swimming. It's about 9 miles south of Willamette Pass just off
Hwy 58 (about 3 miles down National Forest Rd 60).
Activities
Hiking
A day-use pass ($5) is required for the following hikes. Trails are snow-free from July to
October.
The 22-mile Waldo Lake Trail encircles Waldo Lake and is bikable. A less ambitious
hike leads 3.4 miles from North Waldo Camp ground to rocky beaches at the outlet of the
Willamette River; make it an 8-mile loop by returning via Rigdon Lakes , which lie at
the base of a volcanic butte. Note that this hike is popular with mountain bikers, and goes
through a 2006 fire area.
From the west end of Odell Lake, energetic hikers should consider the 5.3-mile one-
way hike to Yoran Lake for a great view of 8744ft Diamond Peak. A popular hike from
Odell Lake Resort leads 3.8 miles to Fawn Lake , below two rugged peaks.